Cienega Springs to Shea
Total Miles
9.2
Elevation
307.73 ft
Duration
1 Hours
Technical Rating
Best Time
Spring, Fall, Winter
Trail Overview
This 9-mile (each way) trail connects Cienega Springs Road and the Back Way to Desert Bar Trail with Shea Road and the Swansea Townsite Trail. You skirt along the edge of the Gibraltar Mountain Wilderness on BLM and Arizona State Trust Lands. The trail is dirt and sand, with rocks in some areas. In the AZ desert, be sure to watch for rattlesnakes and scorpions. Carrying recovery equipment like a saw, a snatch block, and a tow rope is a good idea. We never ride without at least one firearm. Take extra fuel and lots of water, the desert is unforgiving in its heat and its predators. If this area receives rain, several varieties of cacti will bloom. Do not ride on the Colorado River Indian Tribe Reservation without getting a sticker from CRIT. They are $25 a year and well worth it. It gives you full access to the trails on the reservation, and it will save you from getting your SXS or bike, or quad confiscated by the tribe wardens for riding without a sticker.
Photos of Cienega Springs to Shea
Difficulty
After a monsoon season, the trail will have areas of erosion and washouts. Rocks, trees, driftwood and other obstacles may be moved into the path. Not a difficult trail, but may have some obstacles.